Ergononmically curved weapon sling

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic weapon sling includes an elongate strap having a preformed permanent curved shape adapted to conform to the anatomical contour of the user&#39;s body along an elongate area of contact between the strap and the body. First and second fasteners are carried on the strap for attaching to the forearm and stock of a rifle or shotgun. The sling is positionable in a carrying position in which the strap is positioned over a shoulder of the user and conforms to the contour of the user&#39;s torso, and is also positionable in an aiming position in which the strap conforms to the contour of an upper arm of the user and stabilizes the arm supporting the forearm of the weapon to aid the user in aiming the weapon.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/364,058filed on Feb. 10, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sling for carrying a weapon, particularly arifle or shotgun. The weapon sling of the invention has an ergonomicallycurved strap that conforms to the contours of the user's body. Theergonomic curvature of the weapon sling allows the user to comfortablycarry the weapon, and reduces the tendency of the sling to slip off theshoulder of the user. In addition to carrying the weapon, the sling canbe used in an aiming position in which the curvature of the strapconforms to the upper arm of the user in order to provide additionalstability while aiming and firing the weapon, resulting in greatershooting accuracy.

A variety of prior art weapon slings have been developed to provide ameans for conveniently carrying a weapon. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,282,558 discloses a gun sling which allows the firearm to be retainedsuspended from the shoulder without sliding off while the associated armand hand are otherwise engaged. The gun sling of the '558 patentutilizes an auxiliary strap in conjunction with the sling's primarystrap. However, such a two strap design is more expensive to produce,and is relatively cumbersome for the user to put on and remove. It isimportant that a weapon sling be easily removable in the event the usersuddenly spots a fast moving target and time is of the essence.Therefore, a two strap design, such as the one disclosed in the '558patent, can be problematic. Furthermore, the weight displacement broughtabout by the weapons attachment to the primary strap would continuouslypull the auxiliary strap toward the primary strap, causing the auxiliarystrap to uncomfortably wedge against the neck of the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,357,363 discloses a gun sling which can be used to aidthe user in aiming and firing the weapon by cradling the triceps andelbow of the arm holding the weapon's forearm. The gun sling uses aD-ring to create an adjustable loop in the sling into which the user'supper arm can be inserted. The loop is then tightened around the upperarm. Such a design is significantly more complicated and cumbersome thanthe present invention.

In an effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementioned problems, thepresent invention was conceived.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide anergonomic weapon sling for comfortably and securely carrying a weapon,such as a rifle or shotgun.

It is another object of the invention to provide a weapon sling thatincludes a strap having a preformed curved shape that conforms to thecontours of a human body, and resists slipping off of the user'sshoulder.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a weapon slinghaving a curvature that conforms to the contour of the user's upper arm,and provides support and stability to the user's arm holding the forearmof the weapon to improve accuracy while aiming and firing the weapon.

These and other objectives of the present invention are achieved byproviding a weapon sling comprising an elongate strap having a preformedpermanent curved shape adapted to conform to an anatomical contour ofthe body of a user of a weapon along an elongate area of contact betweenthe strap and the user's body. First and second fasteners are carried onthe strap for attaching to first and second spaced-apart attachmentpoints on the weapon.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the sling ispositionable in a carrying position wherein the strap is positioned overa shoulder of the user and the weapon is carried on the user's back.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, thepreformed curved shape of the strap conforms to a contour of the user'sneck when the sling is positioned in the carrying position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thepreformed curved shape of the strap conforms to a contour of the user'sventral torso when the sling is positioned in the carrying position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thepreformed curved shape of the strap conforms to a contour of a lateralside of the user's torso when the sling is positioned in the carryingposition.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesling is positionable in an aiming position wherein the preformed curvedshape of the strap conforms to a contour of an upper arm of the user andthe strap stabilizes the user's arm supporting a forearm of the weaponwhereby the sling aids the user in aiming the weapon.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesling is positionable in a carrying position wherein the strap ispositioned over a shoulder of the user to carry the weapon and thepreformed curved shape of the strap conforms to a contour of the user'storso, and the sling is also positionable in an aiming position whereinthe preformed curved shape of the strap conforms to a contour of anupper arm of the user and the strap stabilizes the user's arm supportinga forearm of the weapon to aid the user in aiming the weapon.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thepreformed curved shape of the strap comprises a series of preformedpermanent curves in alternating directions for conforming to anatomicalcontours of the user's body along an elongate area of contact betweenthe strap and the body.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesling includes means for adjusting a length of the strap.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thestrap is made of neoprene.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesling includes means for releasably attaching the first and secondfasteners to the weapon.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesling is used in conjunction with a rifle or shotgun, and the firstfastener is attached to the forearm of the rifle or shotgun.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesecond fastener is attached to the stock of a rifle or shotgun.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theweapon sling comprises an elongate strap having first and second ends.The strap has a preformed permanent curved shape comprising a firstcurve extending from the first end of the strap in convex relation tothe median plane of the user's body to conform to the contour of theuser's neck, and a second curve extending from the first curve inconcave relation to the median plane of the user's body to conform tothe curvature of the user's ventral torso. First and second fastenersare carried on the strap for attaching to first and second attachmentpoints on a weapon.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thestrap extends from the user's ventral torso to a lateral side of theuser's torso and terminates at the lateral side.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesling is positionable in an aiming position wherein the first preformedcurve of the strap conforms to a contour of an upper arm of the user andthe strap stabilizes the user's arm supporting a forearm of the weaponto aid the user in aiming the weapon.

An embodiment of the method of carrying a weapon according to theinvention comprises the steps of providing a weapon sling comprising anelongate strap having first and second ends. The strap has preformedcurved shape comprising a first curve extending from the first end ofthe strap in convex relation to the median plane of the user's body toconform to the contour of the user's neck, and a second curve extendingin concave relation to the median plane of the user's body to conform tothe curvature of the user's ventral torso. First and second fastenersare carried on the strap for attachment to the weapon. The firstfastener is attached to the forearm of the weapon, and the secondfastener is attached to weapon's stock. The strap is positioned over athe user's shoulder such that the weapon is positioned on the user'sback and the strap conforms to the contours of the user's neck andventral torso.

An embodiment of the method for stabilizing a weapon while aimingaccording to the invention comprises the steps of providing a weaponsling comprising an elongate strap having a preformed permanent curvedshape adapted to conform to the anatomical contour of the user's bodyalong an elongate area of contact between the strap and the user's body.First and second fasteners are carried on the strap for attachment tothe weapon. Attaching the first fastener to a forearm of the weapon, andattaching the second fastener to a stock of the weapon. Positioning theformed curve against the user's arm upper arm to stabilize the user'sarm which is supporting the forearm of the weapon.

An embodiment of the method for making a weapon sling according to theinvention comprises providing an elongate strap having first and secondends. Positioning a first fastener adjacent the first end and a secondfastener adjacent the second end. Forming a curved shape in the strapfor conforming to the anatomical contour of the user's body along anelongate area of contact between the strap and the body, and setting thecurved shape in the strap so that the curved shape is permanentlyretained in the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will appear as the inventionproceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a preferred embodiment of the weaponsling according to the invention, shown attached to a rifle;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the weapon sling of FIG. 1, positioned onthe right shoulder of a user;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the weapon sling of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation of the weapon sling of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the weapon sling of FIG. 1, positionedon the left shoulder of the user;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation of the weapon sling of FIG. 1, shownpositioned to assist the user in aiming and firing the rifle; and

FIG. 7 is a right side elevation of the weapon sling of FIG. 1, shownpositioned to assist the user in aiming and firing the rifle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a preferred embodiment ofthe weapon sling according to the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The weapon sling 10generally comprises an elongate strap 11 having a preformed curved shapethat conforms to the anatomical contours of the typical adult humanbeing, and two attachment straps 12, 13 for attaching to opposite endsof a weapon 14. The weapon 14 is preferably a rifle or shotgun.

As shown in FIG. 1, the elongate strap 11 includes two predominantcurves X, Y in alternating directions to form a slight S-shape. Thecurves X, Y are preformed in the strap 11 such that the strap 11permanently retains its S-curved shape.

Strap 11 is formed by cutting two identical pieces of material,preferably an elastic material such as neoprene, in the slight S-curveshape shown in FIG. 1. One of the pieces is then placed over the otherin mirror image fashion, and the pieces are stitched together with nylonthread. Preferably, both sides of the strap 11 have a nurled surface.

Opposite ends of the strap 11 are stitched to triangular shaped sheaths15, 16, preferably made of plastic. The strap 11 is stitched, preferablywith nylon thread, to the base sides of the triangular sheaths 15, 16.Attachment straps 12, 13 are stitched proximate the vertexes of thesheaths 15,16, respectively, and extend outward therefrom. Theattachment straps 12, 13 are generally straight, and are preferably madeof nylon. Each attachment strap 12, 13 is run through a D-ring 17, 18,respectively, to form a looped portions 12A, 13A, respectively. Thelooped portions 12A, 13A are for engaging swivels 19, 20, respectively,mounted on the forearm 21 and stock 22 of the rifle 14, respectively, asshown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7. The sling 10 is attached to the weapon 14running the attachment straps 12, 13 through swivels 19,20,respectively, and then through the D-rings 17, 18, respectively, forminglooped portions 12A, 13A. The sling 10 can be easily detached from theweapon 14 by pulling the attachment straps 12, 13 back in the oppositedirection, completely through their respective D-rings 17,18, therebyeliminating the loops 12A, 13A. In addition, the overall length of thesling 10 can be adjusted by varying the length of either attachmentstrap 12, 13 through its respective D-ring 17, 18.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the sling 10 is positionable in a carryingposition in which the sling 10 is positioned over one shoulder S of theuser U, and the weapon 14 is carried on the user's back B. As shown inFIG. 2, the first curve X of the strap 11 extends in convex relation tothe median plane M of the user's body. The first curve X conforms to thecontour of the user's neck N where the base of the neck N meets theshoulder S. The strap 11 then reverses direction to form curve Yextending in concave relation to the median plane M of the user's bodyto conform to the contour of the user's ventral torso V, as shown inFIG. 2. The strap 11 terminates at a lateral side of the user's torso,as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As such, the strap 11 has an ergonomic shapethat comfortably supports the weapon 14. The ergonomic shape of thestrap 11 also prevents slippage off of the user's shoulder S, which iscommon with conventional slings. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sling 10can be positioned on either shoulder S of the user U.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sling 10 is also positionable in anaiming position, in which the sling 10 aids the user U in aiming andfiring the weapon 14. The user U assumes the conventional aiming stancewith the stock 22 of the weapon 14 held firmly against the user's body,one hand holding the pistol grip 23, and the other hand holding theforearm 21 of the weapon 14. The strap 11 is positioned on the arm A ofthe user U holding the forearm 21 of the weapon 14. It is common forthis arm A to become fatigued if the user U maintains the aimingposition for a substantial length of time as this arm A is supportingmost of the weight of the weapon 14. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, thestrap 11 is positioned against the user's arm A such that the portion ofstrap 11 comprising curve X conforms to the contour of the user'striceps T. The strap 11 provides additional support and stabilizes thearm A holding the forearm 21 of the weapon 14. The strap 11 therebyimproves the user's accuracy when aiming and firing the weapon 14 byreducing fatigue in the user's arm A and increasing the stability of theuser's hold of the weapon 14.

An ergonomically curved weapon sling and methods for making and usingsame are disclosed above. Various embodiments of the invention can bemade without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoingdescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the bestmode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose ofillustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the inventionbeing defined by the claims.

1. A weapon sling for positioning over a shoulder of a user to carry aweapon on the user's back comprising: (a) an elongate strap having apreformed permanent curved shape adapted to conform to an anatomicalcontour of a body of a user of a weapon along an elongate area ofcontact between the strap and the body; and (b) first and secondfasteners carried on said strap for attaching to first and secondspaced-apart attachment points on the weapon.
 2. A weapon slingaccording to claim 1, wherein said sling is positionable in a carryingposition wherein said strap is positioned over a shoulder of the userand the weapon is carried on the user's back.
 3. A weapon slingaccording to claim 2, wherein the preformed curved shape of said strapconforms to a contour of the user's neck when said sling is positionedin the carrying position.
 4. A weapon sling according to claim 2,wherein the preformed curved shape of said strap conforms to a contourof the user's ventral torso when said sling is positioned in thecarrying position.
 5. A weapon sling according to claim 2, wherein thepreformed curved shape of said strap conforms to a contour of a lateralside of the user's torso when said sling is positioned in the carryingposition.
 6. A weapon sling according to claim 1, wherein said sling ispositionable in an aiming position wherein the preformed curved shape ofsaid strap conforms to a contour of an upper arm of the user and saidstrap stabilizes the user's arm supporting a forearm of the weaponwhereby said sling aids the user in aiming the weapon.
 7. A weapon slingaccording to claim 1, wherein said sling is positionable in a carryingposition wherein said strap is positioned over a shoulder of the user tocarry the weapon and the preformed curved shape of said strap conformsto a contour of the user's torso, and further wherein said sling ispositionable in an aiming position wherein the preformed curved shape ofsaid strap conforms to a contour of an upper arm of the user and saidstrap stabilizes the user's arm supporting a forearm of the weapon toaid the user in aiming the weapon.
 8. A weapon sling according to claim1, wherein the preformed curved shape of said strap comprises a seriesof preformed permanent curves in alternating directions for conformingto anatomical contours of the user's body along an elongate area ofcontact between the strap and the body.
 9. A weapon sling according toclaim 1, further comprising means for adjusting a length of said strap.10. A weapon sling according to claim 1, wherein said strap comprisesneoprene.
 11. A weapon sling according to claim 1, further comprisingmeans for releasably attaching said first and second fasteners to theweapon.
 12. A weapon sling according to claim 1, wherein the weapon is arifle or shotgun, and said first fastener is attached to a forearm ofthe weapon.
 13. A weapon sling according to claim 12, wherein saidsecond fastener is attached to a stock of the weapon.
 14. A weapon slingfor positioning over a shoulder of a user to carry a weapon on theuser's back comprising: (a) an elongate strap having first and secondends, said strap having a preformed permanent curved shape comprising afirst curve extending from the first end of the strap in convex relationto a median plane of the user's body to conform to a contour of theuser's neck, and a second curve extending from the first curve inconcave relation to the median plane of the user's body to conform to acurvature of the user's ventral torso; and (b) first and secondfasteners carried on said strap for attaching to first and secondattachment points on a weapon.
 15. A weapon sling according to claim 14,wherein said strap extends from the user's ventral torso to a lateralside of the user's torso and terminates at said lateral side.
 16. Aweapon sling according to claim 14, wherein said sling is positionablein an aiming position wherein said first preformed curve of said strapconforms to a contour of an upper arm of the user and said strapstabilizes the user's arm supporting a forearm of the weapon to aid theuser in aiming the weapon.
 17. A weapon sling according to claim 16,wherein the weapon comprises a rifle or shotgun and said first fasteneris attached to a forearm of the weapon, and further wherein said secondfastener is attached to a stock of the weapon.
 18. A method for making aweapon sling comprising the steps of: (a) providing an elongate straphaving first and second ends; (b) positioning a first fastener adjacentthe first end and a second fastener adjacent the second end, said firstand second fasteners for attaching to first and second attachment pointson a weapon; (c) forming a curved shape in said strap for conforming toan anatomical contour of a body of a user of the weapon along anelongate area of contact between the strap and the body; and (d) settingthe curved shape in said strap whereby the curved shape is permanentlyretained in said strap.